JUVENILE DETENTION OFFICER

Thurston County • Tumwater, WA

14h • $4,801 - $6,705 • Onsite

About The Position

Thurston County seeks a professional, motivated, and dependable Juvenile Detention Officer to supervise, monitor, and care for juvenile offenders and other court-involved youth in a secure detention facility and detention-sponsored programs. The officer directs activities, monitors compliance with court-ordered detention conditions, and records observations for probation counselors and other professionals and agencies working with youth.

The role includes operating facility security and monitoring systems; conducting intake, release, screening, and safety assessments; overseeing visits, school programs, daily activities, and medication distribution; and providing transportation to court, school, work sites, medical facilities, and other correctional facilities. Officers document incidents and behavior, provide basic first aid and CPR when needed, support youth experiencing emotional or developmental challenges, and may use authorized physical force or restraints when necessary. The position also involves custodial duties, meal pickup and delivery, maintaining supplies, preparing reports, appearing in court as a witness, and planning structured daily schedules and skills-development activities.

The work takes place in a 24-hour security facility and involves daily contact with county staff and the public. Shifts are 12 hours, scheduled three and four days per week on an alternating basis, including non-standard hours, weekends, and holidays. Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, and juvenile transportation.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and two years of experience working with youths; additional education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Before hire, demonstrate the physical fitness level required by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission Physical Abilities Test (PAT); maintain the standard through testing and successful completion of the Juvenile Corrections Personnel Academy (JCPA).
• Successfully complete the Security Worker's Training Academy within six months of employment.
• Successfully complete annual training in proper use of physical force (defensive tactics).
• Pass a background investigation, including review of driving record, work history, education, and criminal history, using provided identification and fingerprints.
• Possess or obtain upon hire a food handler's permit and valid First Aid and CPR Card.
• Possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, psychology, or a closely related field.
• Previous experience working with troubled youth.
• Specialized education or training in providing social skills training geared toward youth learning styles.
• Positive attitude.
• Training in defensive tactics.

Responsibilities

• Operate electronic security systems and continuously monitor facility, courtroom, and perimeter areas through closed-circuit cameras; screen visitors and entrants for prohibited items.
• Receive incoming calls and route them to the appropriate person.
• Conduct juvenile intake and release procedures, including admission screening, paperwork, records searches, photographing, fingerprinting, and securing personal property.
• Assess juveniles for safety and security needs, including suicide risk, aggressive behavior, medical needs, and mental health concerns; recognize signs of mental illness, alcohol intoxication, and drug overdose and respond appropriately.
• Notify parents, guardians, and/or schools of a youth's incarceration and explain facility procedures and regulations to juveniles and family members.
• Monitor visiting hours, verify visitor authorization and required documentation, search juveniles after visitation, and secure valuables and money received for juveniles.
• Coordinate release of juveniles to detention school programs and outside-school transportation schedules.
• Transport youth participating in the day detention program to and from the community.
• Monitor juvenile activities in living units, program areas, and during exercise; observe and document behavior and maintain and route required forms, records, and reports.
• Provide immediate basic first aid and CPR when needed, assess the situation, and notify appropriate authorities for further treatment or evaluation.
• Perform custodial duties, including laundry, clothing mending, cleaning, and supervising detainees in facility and living-area care.
• Pick up and deliver prepared meals from the County campus, return meal containers, and maintain adequate supplies for juveniles' health and welfare.
• Provide emotional support and recommend appropriate support from probation counselors or medical professionals for youth with emotional or developmental needs.
• Document assaults, escapes, injuries, abuse reports, medical conditions, and other incidents; recommend and direct sanctions and behavior-modification techniques.
• When authorized, use physical force and assist with restraining and moving combative detainees; submit required incident reports and appear in court as a witness when required.
• Supervise distribution of prescribed medications and ensure instructions for their use are followed.
• Prepare juveniles for court, escort and supervise them in courtrooms and holding areas, and restrain or remove them from courtrooms if required.
• Prepare reports for the Department of Social and Health Services for inclusion in juvenile history packages related to state placement.
• Plan and implement daily schedules that meet state and local requirements and provide meaningful activities in a safe, secure environment.
• Participate in skills training, help youth develop daily-living skills, and work with education staff on job skills and employment experiences.
• Transport juveniles to and from work sites and other correctional facilities and transport them for emergency medical care; direct and work with juveniles at work sites.

Benefits

• Retirement plan.
• Pre-tax savings accounts.
• Comprehensive health care and dental and vision care for employees and their families.
• Paid vacation and paid holidays for full-time regular employees.
• County-paid training and opportunities to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible work schedules, including alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working where available.
• Three voluntary deferred compensation plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for eligible out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness for qualifying full-time public service employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED